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Development Update 7/21 GIM Pushed To Beta I had mentioned in a journal a while back that we were working on "a new way of communicating with your friends." At last the efforts of coaster_vn, ferminator, excitom have paid off, and we finally pushed GIM (Gaia Instant Messenger) to beta. GIM is very cool -- some of the most complex Javascript you've ever seen. It's built on top of AOL, but you can use the instant messaging entirely from Gaia and never know that you're using AIM. So, why did we offer IM? Is it really necessary with rallies and towns? Well, one of the big drivers behind GIM (and pretty much everything else this quarter) is battle: battle needed a whisper / chatting facility, so we decided that if we were going to do all the backend work for that, we might as well do it for the rest of the site. Also, this will help build a sense of community -- there will be facilities in the GIM client to invite your friends to wherever you are, whether it's a flash game or even inside a forum thread. It's very neat stuff. We'll push it live in the next couple of weeks, if all goes well. Battle Beta We've done a number of rounds of Battle beta (and, no, Battle is not the official name of Battle, we'll be announcing the official name tomorrow), and the last beta test actually weathered the storm of 100s of users without making the servers collapse into a smoking heap. Future beta tests will focus more on the game play and tuning of everything. Olympics Aren't the Olympics cool? I say that with no paternalistic pride -- I didn't work on that project at all -- but I thought the devs and artists did a rocking job. There are so many cool Warioware-like games we could do, especially with a particular Gaia theme or twist... hmmmm... there are neat possibilities here. Anyway, the Olympics has caused the site traffic to actually spike, so we're pretty pleased that so many people have decided to participate. Bugs Being Fixed Some bugs that we've fixed in the past week: - realigned "Reopen Forum Pulse" link - fixed account history for IE6 and IE7 - upgraded some core Javascript libraries (we use Yui) - Friends list changes - fixed pagination of user searches - fixed "General Error" message when you use the Gigya widget - removed obsolete pages - made the custom store descriptions show up - added "add a friend" - fixed an inconsistency in displaying unread messages in inbox - fixed broken image in Inbox when message is open - fixe spurious "already exists" message when changing e-mail - fixed redemption history display Pushed out today: - fixed detailed history in Marketplace / My Store - removed domo-kun (sorry, it's a copyright violation) - fixed a bug in the moderator NDA stuff, since we're going to open up mod applications soon - tweaked header font in journal pages - Mischief Maker's update - added a link to HTML registration in flash registration (some people were getting stuck) - added a "reply" link for profile comments Item Normalization I posted an update in Site Feedback, and will be updating it later tonight -- I know that the inventory changes are the ones that most people are asking about, and we're working on it fervently. We also found the fishing bug that was causing people to be unable to use their newly-purchased bait in Fishing, and will roll out that fix after it's been tested. Item Glitch So, the mods are still fixing the item glitch stuff -- in a slow, laborious, and painful manual process. We finally made the announcement about it. They're rewinding most of the transactions if they don't look legit. If you aren't banned right now, don't worry about it, you almost certainly won't be. Don't worry about using the marketplace, it should be safe for both game and non-game items. Economic Effects of Item Glitch The question is whether we did the right thing about this, and in my opinion we could have reacted better. There will always be bugs, and glitches -- god knows this glitch will never happen again, but despite our best efforts we will make mistakes. For various reasons, we could not do an immediate announcement, and the initial announcement was very confusing; I think in the future we will try to be better about communication. To be honest at the very start the situation was confusing, and we thought users had found an exploit. The true story didn't come out until a little later. Some users were surprised by the fact that they could be banned for taking advantage of a game glitch. It's an interesting moral question, and I'm not sure that there's a bright line that separates people cleanly. If you woke up one day and found one million dollars by your bed, can you spend it? What if you check your bank account and find one million dollars accidentally in it? Is it okay to spend it? What if someone buys your car for a fair price, and then you find out that they had stolen money from a bank and used it to buy your car? Nonetheless: the mods are trying to be reasonable about rolling back transactions, and legitimate ones can stay. There is one situation we're evaluating, that is: - Exploiting Edgar sells fish hats to get 1 BILLYUN gold - Rule-abiding Rudy offers katana for a fair price - Edgar buys the katana - Rudy takes the money and buys stuff from Chandra Do we reverse the transaction between Edgar and Rudy? What about between Rudy and Chandra? If you don't reverse fair transactions, you end up with an "extra" katana. We've considered taking items which are pretty clearly ill-gotten gains and auctioning them off in the market, but it really takes some more work by Sagger until we can make sure that the economic ramifications will be positive.

Posted by: Panagrammic Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 03:25am

Read my journal!

User Comments: [60] Viewing page 0 of 2 · Goto Page: 1 2 » [add]

Emelend
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 03:35am


	Man, I wish I were still in SCAS. ANYWAYS, the MMO name is being announced tomorrow? Like. The day after this one? SO EXCITED I guess it's just a name but whatever. SO EXCITED

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 03:57am


	Ooh looks like a lot of work. Thank you for everything!

Caged Little Fairy
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Sweet Iree
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:05am


	That sounds like a fun feature. I look forward to it. <3♫♪

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:06am


	Quote: - removed domo-kun (sorry, it's a copyright violation) Wait, what? Are you talking about the Domo emote? not thinking today

Fallaryn
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Blaze-kun
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:08am


	I'm glad the sluggish inventories are going to be fixed. That is an interesting moral dilemma you have there. Perhaps, besides an economist, Gaia should hire a moralist/ethicist. xd j/k.

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:13am


	I'm looking forward for GIM, seems fun ninja

The_last_alchemist
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Anbaachan
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:16am


	Go Team Durem!! Woo! Anyway, thanks for the updates as always. Keep up the good work! Anbaa

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:17am


	crying No more domo? Ah, I'm actually surprised it was there for so long. Thanks for the updates though! Keep up the good work. ^^

Squeaky8864
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[DarkDreams]
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:19am


	geeze you guys have been working your butts off! its so awesome, thank you! maybe HQ should put in for more comfy chairs XD the olympics are really fun, and it seems most users are happy with whats going on, the games are hilarious and entertaining which is what gaia essentially is, so it fits well.

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:31am


	The MMO Name? YEAH? I mean...SERIOUSLY? Oh gosh, I so love you and Q right now heart

Ungoliath
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Thanks 4 All the Fish
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:36am


	Can't the good folks of Gaia work out a deal with the Domokun's owners so it stays on the site? It is an integral part of Gaia's emote repertoire. crying

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:43am


	I'm really looking forward to GIM. And the MMOG name. Good bye, Domo-kun! We'll miss you! Does this mean we'll be getting a replacement? domokun

Arcadian
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France Hopper
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:48am


	GIM... meh. Good idea but I'll pass. But since it is built off AIM, does that mean we can use it to chat with AIM buddies as well? Same question goes for can we connect with an AIM client (like iChat for Mac) and chat with GIM buddies? Better yet - see if they are on Gaia? I'm just curious how much this will mess with our accounts if we already have AIM. But I'm assuming we just sign in with our GaiaID? As for the Battle name announcement tomorrow Ques drum roll. Can we get a hint tonight? Like first letter? XD Just kidding. Tomorrow is soon enough. Nice to know Battle survived the 400 users and vice versa. As for your comment about the Olympics, couldn't said it any better. Will we get to keep the mini-games after the event is over? Amazing lineup of bug fixes. Hats off to that! And in closing, your MP transition example is priceless lol*

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 04:53am


	Wow, as always, an impressive amount of work. eek Thanks so much for addressing the "You have no rods or bait" issue; a lot of users have been impacted by it, and I know they'll give a cheer to be able to feed Rufus fish again. Also, thanks for explaining about the trickle-down of an exploit, and why the ramifications are so wide-spread. I've always assumed the Ruby/Chandra sale would have to be reversed as well, in order to preserve the system's equilibrium. I guess that's also why I don't ever ask why it's taking so long; it's not, there's a lot of work involved to review so many transactions. And props and cupcakes to the people doing that work. I'd put Domo, too, if I could. wink

Chocobo Princess
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Refurbished User
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 05:04am


	ninja If you want... you can give me the extra katana.

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 05:27am


	On Qixter's profile someone has a link to a photo of a Battle Poster that has zOMG on the bottom and has that as name of game in the text on the post. so ???

rangerlake
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desu desu desu
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 06:29am


	Bye bye domo~ domokun

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 06:49am


	aww... can you replace Domo Kun with Mr Sourface? smile

Bunai
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thepinkythepink
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 07:27am


	In your "update in Site Feedback" link, I'm getting a pop-up box asking for my name and password. sad Thank you for the update, though.

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 07:43am


	Yes, the Olympics are pretty awesome! domokun Very sad about domokun though - I'd be very interested to find out both who has him copyrighted and if/when they suddenly complained. Personally, my view is "WTF? Someone complained about an EMOTE?" O_o I'm glad to see more about the game glitch, I'm always thirsty for info ( and cry that there wasn't anything specifically about accounts with trading passes locked. NEEEEED trading pass back PLEASE!). For the love of everything holy, I wish someone would start working their way through the glitch thread in SF! crying I really have to say that in the situation you mentioned, I'd personally take the gold AND the Katana from Edgar, the slimey rule-breaking b***d. Didn't read the TOS (or didn't care), and he should be banninated. Flush the gold out of the system and place the Katana with the items that might/will/whoknows be stripped from banned accounts, and distribute it back into the poplace from there. Also, I have to ay that FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING WE HOLD DEAR, DO NOT auction off expensive goods on the MP! All that will do is hand them directly to the richest users. PLEASE have a Gaia lottery - make the tickets fairly pricey (500-1,000g apiece), limit them to less than five per account, and that way, though some may still end up on the MP and with the richest Gaians, others will have a pixellated dream come true. Make it fair for everyone, all right? Not to mention that doing it the lottery way would take a LOT more gold out of the economy than just selling it off. Anyway, glad to see some of the pesky glitches are being taken care of, and thanks again for all the hard work and moar info! heart heart heart** edit: Also, I <3 Bunai's idea - let's replace him with Mr McSourface! xd

Kai-Shan Valandria
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Myspoonistoobig
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 08:18am


	Did you actually get a copyright complaint over Domo-kun? Or are you guys just being overzealously cautious because you're now so big? Pretty lame either way, but lamer if you were served with some sort of cease and desist over 15x15 icon xd domokun domokun domokun domokun domokun domokun domokun

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 08:28am


	Hey Pan heart I wanted to ask you if everyone should have received their gold back from trades that were auto canceled during item norm initialization? It's been weeks and I still haven't gotten my 1m+ gold back, but my friend's have received their things. I'm really worried about this, so if you could let me know I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Kilani
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XDmaster4
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 01:49pm


	i still see the domo here domokun neutral

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 02:02pm


	What some people are upset about is that people are being banned for exploiting these game item glitches but no one was banned for the Faunzy Flute glitch. Now, I'm not against people being banned for exploiting glitches, but I understand why people feel it's a bit hypocritical or at least inconsistent. The lack of bannings for the flute glitch might have also given some people the idea that they wouldn't be banned for exploiting a glitch if it happened to a lot of people, since that seemed to be the general opinion when people were using the flute glitch to earn faun legs and all the other flute items in less than one day.

Chibigreen Tejinashi
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Nerelda
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 02:22pm


	Thanks for keeping us up to date on this Panagrammic! All your hard work is very much appreciated!

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 02:50pm


	Warioware-like games! yes! love'em! Need banners or custom graphics? Click here to check out my shop

Inti Castro
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France Hopper
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 09:33pm


	zOMG is the Battle name? You got to be kidding me right? That's worse than the code name of Battle! Way to ruin the MMO on such a lousy title.

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 10:01pm


	Cant wait for GIM I think itll be a nice feature RIP Domo emo

Skyscraper Opera
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ffreddd123
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Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 10:19pm


	Woo, so many updates and what-not. Looks great!! biggrin Nice to see the "Detailed History" in the Store Log was fixed. The "Add Friend" thing is pretty nifty. Same with the "Comment Back" link for profile comments. 3nodding crying @ Domo being removed.

Commented on: Thu Jul 24, 2008 @ 10:24pm


	Yep, RIP domokun it's so weird without him. and for the new MMO name, I'll tell you now the most people hate zOMG, as well as I.

Mortefontaine
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Spriteless_Andy
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Commented on: Fri Jul 25, 2008 @ 01:13am


	Well, I can always add Domo to my own photobucket account. Although he still shows up for journal comments, even if he isn't in the posts.

Commented on: Fri Jul 25, 2008 @ 01:45am


	there is an error when i save my avi

maverickrules
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HououMinamino
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Commented on: Fri Jul 25, 2008 @ 04:30am


	Will GIM be safe? I can see some safety issues coming from this. Also, when I am on Gaia, will it be possible for me to just use AIM?

Commented on: Fri Jul 25, 2008 @ 05:22am


	More importantly reliable? I've had some bad experiences with AOL, particularly crapware and downtime.

France Hopper
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MrBlueberryMuffin
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Commented on: Fri Jul 25, 2008 @ 04:26pm


	Thanks for explaining why you added GIM. I lot of people are against it. I do hope you will monitor it though?

Commented on: Fri Jul 25, 2008 @ 06:08pm


	Personally, I'm not against GIM. I'm just curious about it's architecture and how it'll work. EDIT: I hate double posting so... merged. That was annoying... Ignore that now. And just reminded me to turn img blocking back on wink Did that ever get fixed? Apparently not...

France Hopper
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Dr. Koji Kotobuki
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Commented on: Sun Jul 27, 2008 @ 02:18am


	Noooooooo. Domo-kun lives! domokun

Commented on: Sun Jul 27, 2008 @ 02:19am


	I wanted to clear something up about Domo (I don't know if you'll have the time to respond), i just wanted to know if NHK was the one that was going to press charges, or if an American company that liscensed Domo-kun was?

AnimeJet
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KawaiiKittenCalico
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Commented on: Sun Jul 27, 2008 @ 04:12am


	GIM makes me sad. I mean, with 100 other instant messengers out there and we needed to have one here, too? And you picked the worst of the "big three" to use, I think. I never use AIM because it's evil. Should have based it around Yahoo, it's nicer.

Commented on: Sun Jul 27, 2008 @ 07:17am


	That's gotta be one of the lamest reasons I've ever heard. , which is still hosted on your servers, doesn't even look like domo kun. It's a ******** 1515 gif that I believe came with PHPBB, did it not? Either way, it could be a really ***** hungry diglet. Just rename it as something else. Like "chomping turd" and remove one pixel. Then it's your own **** creation. You guys really need to be a little more pragmatic. "OH IM GUNNA REMOVE DIS AFTAR 5 YRS CUZ ITS COPIRIGHTED LOL" Yeah, sure. Legendary Creature: Habitual Troll** Each time Awiergan is banned for any reason, regenerate Awiergan with twice as much gold. "I've never seen so many flags on one account!" - Anonymous Moderator

Awiergan Retribution
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Jimmys Random Ninja
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Commented on: Mon Jul 28, 2008 @ 02:58am


	Um, what about stuff you bid on in the marketplace, you win, and you dont get the item? I did that today and I won the bid but never got my item. I bought the Trendy Dark Skinny Jeans fer 3,302 gold. I just want to know if I can get my item...

Commented on: Mon Jul 28, 2008 @ 06:57pm


	Domo is not a standard phpBB Smiley.

DogCow
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Morteana
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Commented on: Mon Jul 28, 2008 @ 11:53pm


	Heya Pan! I'm not actually quite sure if I should mention this to you personally or someone else.... I love the new skins (esp. Angel Imp... note the avatar. razz ) but is there any way with the Imp skins we can put shoes, etc, on the avatars? I can understand why they'd be disabled with the centaur skins, since there are too many legs. razz But the Imps have but two legs... and... I dunno. razz It would be nice. I know the skins are brand new so this may be something that is being worked out... just thought to ask. smile In other news, I'm a little disappointed with the name but sounds like you did pick the best of some of those suggestions... and it does keep it lighthearted, though I think I'll always just call it Battle. I love the comment back button. Thankyouthankyouthankyou. The Olympics were also fabulous. Barton pride!!! Also, I agree with the Gaia Lotto idea... that seems a little more fair to users. Granted the rich users could still get the items, but at least the poorer users would have a chance, y'know? Cheers!

Commented on: Wed Jul 30, 2008 @ 05:43am


	I hate bugging you on your journal but can we get some kind of an update in the Feedback thread about what's going on with Gifting? You said it would be last week then you said it would be Monday. It's getting closer to Wednesday and still no gifting. A lot of people have expensive items sitting in gift boxes that NEVER opened and they can't get to them. A lot of people have events on hold because gifting is down. At least please let us know why gifting isn't back yet. Please give us some type of update on it.

Chibi Halo
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SeIvaron
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Commented on: Thu Jul 31, 2008 @ 06:20pm


	LOLDELETED Nevermind. Fixed it. >>

Commented on: Thu Jul 31, 2008 @ 08:48pm


	It's Thursday and still no word about gifting. Where are you? Please make an update in your thread about gifting. There are a lot of people with expensive gifts out there that have not been able to access them since the Item Normalization and you're not telling us what's going on. Some type of update on this would be nice please.

Chibi Halo
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Uncle Jeff
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Commented on: Fri Aug 01, 2008 @ 05:40am


	Speaking of economic effects, the torrent of bachelor credits chasing just two items has depressed the cap and gown to virtually free (10 and 58g respectively, much as I predicted six months ago). Imagine if game tickets had only two items they could be exchanged for... Gaia U desperately needs new university-themed items to wear or decorate our houses. Just look at what Unis sell in their souvenir shops IRL and you'll know what can carry the Gaia-U logo. Myself, I'd like a frosty Gaia-U mug of ale (yes, I'm old enough). Is anyone even thinking about expanding the selection of University items? "I may be pissing into the wind, but if I keep my enemies behind me and aim carefully, I can still rain on their parade!" -- Uncle Jeff